Meet Jess – Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 22

Hi Guys,
Meet Jess. Well, I call her Jess, but her name is Jessica Florence. Jess was attending college, majoring in Architecture, and just living the life of a 22 year old. It was at that young, tender age that she found out she had stage 3 breast cancer. Can you imagine? She’s one of the strongest young women that I know. You have to be a fighter in order to beat breast cancer, and that’s exactly what Jess did!
Breast cancer affects 1 out of every 8 women in the United States. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African American women than white

women. A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer (this was Jessica’s case, no family history).
I met Jessica about 7-8 years ago through a family member. She is so sweet, and has the most genuine spirit. These days we’re more like family than anything else. She’s definitely my little cousin, and I’m so proud of her!
We’ve been wanting to collaborate for a while now, but our schedule’s were always conflicting. Jess came into Jacksonville last weekend, and we set up some time to see each, catch up, and take a few photos! There were obstacles & mishaps along the way, but we were determined to make this shoot happen!
When Jess was on her way to my house, she called & said she forget to bring her robe. She mistakenly left it in the other car. Oh no! Pink robes & natural hair was the focus of our shoot. She quickly stopped by Marshalls and grabbed this super cute pink pajama set. Ahhh, Marshalls to the rescue! Problem #2 solved! Problem #1, was minor, so we won’t even get into that! LOL!
I’m so happy Jess & I was able to get this shoot done. The pics came out BOMB & sends the message we were hoping for – Bringing Awareness to Breast Cancer. For more information about Jessica Florence, and her story; be sure to follow her on Instagram. She posts daily about her life – the ups & downs, and also her fight to LIVE! #FightWithJess
As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so please be sure to schedule a mammogram! Annual mammograms can detect cancer early — when it is most treatable. In fact, mammograms show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Mammograms can also prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and improve chances of breast conservation. Current guidelines recommend that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40 — even if they have no symptoms or family history of breast cancer.
Big shout out to my Wifey ,for taking these amazing pics! Can’t forget about my littlesisters , Gabby & Paris, who supplied all of the props for the shoot, and my BBF for also helping with the set up! It takes a team, and I love mine!